A centuries-old Ming Dynasty tower in China’s Anhui province partially collapsed on Monday, narrowly missing several visitors with hundreds of tiles falling from its roof.
Hundreds of tiles have fallen from the roof of a centuries-old tower in China’s Anhui province, causing a partial collapse that narrowly missed several visitors. The incident occurred on Monday at around 18:30 local time (11:30 BST) near the Drum Tower, which is reportedly the largest in China.
Roof collapse can occur due to various reasons, including structural damage, water accumulation, heavy snowfall, or poor maintenance.
The consequences of a roof collapse can be severe, resulting in injuries, fatalities, and significant property damage.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), over 100 workers die each year from building collapses in the United States alone.
Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent roof collapse by identifying potential issues before they become catastrophic.
The Drum Tower’s History
Built in 1375 during the Ming Dynasty, the Drum Tower was once an impressive structure. However, it had undergone a significant rebuild in 1995. Despite its age, the tower remains an important historical landmark and a popular tourist destination. Fengyang County, where the tower is located, is famous for being the hometown of the Ming Dynasty’s founding emperor, ‘Hongwu Emperor‘.
The earliest known drum towers were built during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). These structures were typically tall, narrow buildings with a single room at the top for drumming and observation. Drum towers played a crucial role in ancient Chinese society, serving as communication hubs between cities and villages. They were used to signal important events, warn of impending dangers, and even facilitate trade and commerce.
Investigation Underway
Local authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the collapse, which will examine the repair project’s design and construction. Supervision units were dispatched to the site, along with experts who will assist in the investigation and verification process. The tower has been closed while repairs are carried out, with a reopening date expected to be announced at a later time.
No Injuries Reported
Despite the severity of the incident, no one was injured when the roof collapsed. Eyewitness footage showed sections of the roof falling to the ground, but fortunately, visitors were able to escape unharmed. Local authorities quickly responded to the scene and secured the area to prevent further accidents.
A no-injury incident refers to a situation where no physical harm or damage occurs.
This can be attributed to various factors, including effective 'safety protocols' , timely interventions, and good fortune.
According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), implementing robust safety measures can reduce work-related injuries by up to 50%.
In high-risk industries like construction, 'no-injury' days are often celebrated as a testament to workers' vigilance and management's commitment to workplace safety.
Fengyang County’s Rich History
Fengyang county is a significant cultural and historical hub in China. The town’s rich history dates back to the Ming Dynasty, with the ‘Hongwu Emperor‘, ‘Zhu Yuanzhang‘, serving as its founding emperor. The county’s historic sites, including the Drum Tower, attract tourists from all over the world.
Investigation Finds Answers
The investigation into the collapse of the Drum Tower is ongoing. Officials are examining the repair project’s design and construction to determine the cause of the incident. With the tower closed until further notice, fans of Chinese history and culture will have to wait for news on when it will reopen.
